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NDQ Logistics aims to double its volumes by constructing a new cross-docking warehouse in the port of Zeebrugge
A family-run company, NDQ Logistics specialises in exporting goods to the United Kingdom and Ireland. From its base in West Flanders, this trailer operator centralises goods from heavy goods vehicles from the farthest corners of Europe in its warehouse and subsequently ships them across the Channel inside unaccompanied trailers. NDQ also takes care of all of the administrative processes involved. Since Brexit, the amount of administration involved when trading with the United Kingdom is now much greater than before. The company therefore provides its clients with a ‘one-stop-shop’ solution.
An innovative piece of architecture
At present, NDQ Logistics ships over 100 trailers per day across the Channel. In the past few years, the company has invested 15 million euros in order to respond to the ever increasing demand for exports from all over Europe. The company developed an innovative IT system and purchased 200 new trailers, taking its fleet of trailers up to 600 units in total. In 2023, NDQ opened a 12,000 m² storage warehouse with its own rail link.
To expand its site in the port of Zeebrugge even further, the company has just submitted an application for planning permission to expand its cross-docking warehouse and to construct a garage for the maintenance of its own trailers and an additional parking area for trailers. In the cross-docking warehouse, goods arriving on heavy goods vehicles are transferred in a single movement onto trailers, after which they are shipped across the North Sea. The process itself is both efficient and sustainable. Once this new capacity is a reality, the company would be capable of processing 240 Full Truck Loads (FTLs) per day, compared to 100 today.
As far as the design of the building itself is concerned, NDQ commissioned the services of the architectural and engineering consultancy DBG from Kortrijk, due to its significant expertise in designing logistical warehouses. “It’s no exaggeration to say that DBG has provided us with an innovative piece of architecture that’s unique in Belgium”, explained Nicolas Dehaemers. “The warehouse itself consists of two levels, which means that in addition to the goods from the heavy goods vehicles, we can also load products from our storage warehouse that is connected to the rail network. Working on two levels will enable us to make the most effective use of the space. The new premises will also be of considerable benefit in this port area, as it is already experiencing problems caused by a lack of space.” In addition to making more efficient use of the space, the two levels will also generate significant time-savings in terms of goods handling. This will be achieved using electrically powered fork-lifts, charged from the company’s own solar panels.
A boost to employment
Once the cross-docking warehouse is operating at full capacity, it will create new jobs inside the port area – around 20 port workers and 10 additional employees. In fact, NDQ is already looking for committed workers who are willing to put their shoulders behind the company’s logistical operation and logistical staff, assistant planners, customer service staff and shipping and declaration staff can already apply right now. What is more, the company is also on the look-out for additional mechanics to maintain its own fleet of trailers.
About NDQ Logistics
NDQ is an international trailer operator specialising in exports to the United Kingdom and Ireland. With its team of around 50 employees, the company’s founders and managing directors Nicolas Dehaemers and Elke Quaegebeur manage the shipment of international consignments of goods from the company’s offices in Zeebrugge. NDQ was set up in 2004 and in 2018, it relocated to a state-of-the-art, 12 000 m² site in the port, with offices, a warehouse connected to the rail network, loading bays, a workshop and space for no fewer than 600 trailers. NDQ is a family-run company that owns its own vehicle fleet, offices, warehouses, equipment and IT systems. NDQ is active in the B2B market and works for companies from a diverse range of sectors that export large volumes to the United Kingdom and Ireland.